All the subtleties of laying silicate blocks

Silicate blocks are a common material for construction because of their high insulating qualities, affordability, and longevity. The quality and longevity of your project can be greatly improved by knowing the subtleties of working with these blocks, whether you’re building a garden wall, an addition, or a house.

The strength of silicate blocks is one of their main benefits, which makes them perfect for load-bearing walls. But this strength also means that when laying them, accuracy is essential. Ensuring the stability and professional appearance of your structure requires precise alignment and uniform spacing. It is equally important to use a high-quality mortar mix because it will strengthen the bond between the blocks and add to their structural integrity.

Before using silicate blocks, they need to be handled and stored carefully. Their performance can be impacted by moisture absorption, so it is best to keep them dry and covered. It’s also critical to schedule your work around the weather because high or low temperatures can affect how the mortar sets and how the blocks are placed.

Silicate block laying calls for a few specific tools and methods, but with the correct planning and attention to detail, both experts and competent do-it-yourselfers can handle the task. Every step is essential to achieving a successful result, from laying a strong foundation to finishing touches like leveling and cleaning.

It is possible to make sure that your construction project is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound by taking the time to comprehend these subtleties. For a variety of construction applications, silicate blocks can offer a sturdy and dependable solution with careful planning and implementation.

Installation solutions

Different mortar mixtures that are appropriate for different kinds of construction work are produced by manufacturers.

Silicate blocks can be used to build internal walls and partitions, as well as external supporting structures and extra insulation.

This content is positioned on:

  1. mortar consisting of cement and sand;
  2. for adhesive composition.

Made from cement and sand

The standard cement-sand combination still has a lot of supporters. The seam height when using cement mortar is 10–20 mm, which results in a high material consumption.

This kind of mixture is made with cement, sand, and water, paying attention to the ratios because the right ratios determine the composition’s quality. The type of cement that is used determines how many ingredients are needed.

The amounts of each ingredient needed to prepare one cube.m of a specific brand’s sand-cement mixture are displayed in the table.

Brand of solution Amount of cement grade M400 (kg) Quantity of sand (kg) Amount of water (l)
M50 175 1535 175
M100 300 1440 185
M150 400 1365 190
M200 490 1295 195

The cement-sand mixture has its own characteristics and disadvantages:

  • It is imperative to add frost-resistant additives if work is carried out at sub-zero temperatures;
  • thick seams contribute to heat loss;
  • the mixture hardens quickly and has low strength.

Ready-made dry mixtures, which already include the following, are created for individuals who prefer to work with cement mortars:

  1. cement;
  2. sand;
  3. additives for plasticity and mineral additives.

In the market for building materials, the following can be identified: adhesive solution brands:

  • solution for working with gas silicate blocks LM 21-P QUICK-MIX;
  • warm solution containing perlite LM+;
  • solution with perlite LM quick-mix.

They all share the following traits:

  • plasticity;
  • ease of work;
  • large solution yield.

Ready mixes work well:

  • for erecting walls from gas silicate blocks;
  • for constructing homogeneous masonry without a thermal bridge.

The mixtures don’t contain bulky fillers like quartz sand; instead, they only contain foam glass and perlite sand. Dry mixes are used to prepare solutions in accordance with the guidelines.

Some features of ready mixes to consider when using them are as follows:

  • you cannot work at temperatures below +5 and above +30 degrees Celsius;
  • the “life” of the diluted solution depends on the air temperature, the water temperature and the temperature of the dry mixture itself;
  • at temperatures below +15, the hardening time of the solution is extended;
  • Do not add water to the thickened solution;
  • It is unacceptable to supplement the mixture with cement, various additives, dyes.

Application of adhesive mixture

The seam between the sections is thinner (2–3 mm) when glue is used, which helps you keep heat inside the space. Furthermore, the adhesive solution is used more sparingly by being diluted with regular water. Working with it shortens the time needed to build walls.

Using cement mortar to lay load-bearing gas silicate walls is prohibited in modern construction. High-quality masonry can only be completed using glue made specifically for this kind of material.

This page contains information about the adhesive mixture’s uses when laying gas silicate blocks.

Consumables and tools

Prior to constructing a wall out of gas silicate sections, you should gather the required supplies and equipment:

  • cement and sand;
  • industrial adhesive mixture;
  • level;
  • cord and plumb line;
  • wall chaser;
  • plane;
  • Master OK;
  • rubber mallet (mallet);
  • hacksaw;
  • a special carriage or notched trowel for working with the adhesive mixture;
  • metal grater;
  • brush;
  • square.

Although silicate block laying may appear simple, knowing the subtleties is crucial to a long-lasting and polished finish. This guide will help you with everything from foundation preparation and block selection to precise block alignment and insulation. You can steer clear of typical pitfalls and create a sturdy, long-lasting structure that endures over time by grasping these subtleties.

Instructions for building a house from gas silicate stones

There are two methods for building walls out of gas silicate blocks:

  1. In two rows. For double-row masonry, the use of a cement-sand mixture is allowed, because the temperature bridge will be covered by the second row of blocks.
  2. In one row. When erecting walls in one row, professionals insist on using an industrial adhesive composition, which is diluted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The consistency of the solution should be like thick sour cream. The mixture is applied to the gas silicate sections using a notched trowel or a special carriage. The glue that came out when compacting the block should not be rubbed down, but removed with a trowel.

Gas silicate walls are built in the following sequence:

  • a waterproofing cushion is formed;
  • beacons are installed for corner sections and the cord is pulled for control;
  • 1 row is laid on a solution of cement and sand;
  • the adhesive solution is diluted for laying all other rows;
  • subsequent rows of sections are laid;
  • jumpers are formed;
  • The evenness of the masonry is constantly checked vertically and horizontally.

First row

How evenly the first row of gas silicate sections is laid horizontally determines the strength of the entire structure.

Using a sand and cement mixture, the first row is installed on a waterproofing pad.

The answer aids in the first row’s alignment with the plinth or foundation.

The cement layer needs to be at least 20 mm thick. Reinforcement is done if there are any areas where a thicker mortar layer (30–45 mm) is required.

Make sure to use a level and mooring cord for control as the first row should be perfectly even. Using a rubber mallet, adjust the way the blocks are installed.

To remove height variations, the surface of each row is leveled with a metal float if needed after it has been laid. As a result, this will lessen the likelihood that the walls will develop vertical cracks. A brush is needed to remove the dust after the surface has been leveled.

In order to prevent water from flowing into the space between the foundation and the wall and onto the blind area, the outer wall should extend above the base.

Subsequent rows

All subsequent wall construction is done with an adhesive mixture applied to the side of the adjacent section and the area where the block will be laid using a carriage or notched trowel.

The block is leveled both vertically and horizontally, and it is pressed up against the preceding section with a few firm, light blows from a rubber hammer. Each section needs to be positioned half the length of the gas silicate block apart from the sections in the bottom row.

In order to ensure that the dry block sticks to the solution and does not absorb water from it, gas silicate sections should be moistened with water before working in hot weather.

Starting from the corner, work on laying each row is required; evenness is controlled by pulling the cord. When working, keep the project in mind, make sure to leave space for windows and doors, and reinforce every third row.

Wall reinforcement

Compared to brick, for example, gas silicate blocks are a more brittle material. Cracks can arise from even the smallest distortions because of its sensitivity. Although it keeps cracks from forming, gas silicate wall reinforcement does not strengthen load-bearing walls.

For this reason, reinforcement is unquestionably applied:

  • in the first row;
  • after every third row of the wall;
  • in places of lintels, window and door openings;
  • in the ring beam in the areas of floors;
  • under the rafter device of the roof.

Round reinforcement or flat "ladders" are two reinforcement techniques used to strengthen walls.

Using a wall chaser, first create grooves in the middle of the masonry surface. Then, fill the grooves with glue and insert the reinforcement into the grooves. The extra glue is taken off.

Features and differences in technology

The order in which load-bearing walls and partitions are laid is different. Let’s examine the specifics below.

Partitions

Particularly thin sections of gas silicate, 100 and 150 mm thick, are made for the construction of partitions. Nevertheless, non-standard ones measuring 75, 125, 175, and 200 mm also exist.

Depending on its height, the gas silicate thickness for the internal partition is chosen:

  • for 2.5 m – blocks 75-100 mm thick;
  • for 3 m – 100-150 mm;
  • for 3.5 m – 200 mm.

Reinforcement of the wall is required if the partition is longer than ten meters.

The link leads to a comprehensive article about partition installation.

Load-bearing walls

Because aerated concrete is a porous material and readily absorbs moisture, it is important to isolate load-bearing walls from the foundation when constructing them. This is accomplished by creating a pillow out of any waterproof material and covering it with a cement and sand mixture.

The walls of porous materials must be sealed with a material that has good vapor permeability in order for the walls to dry out after absorbing moisture because this material can both give and absorb moisture with ease.

There is no doubt that you should leave a 20–40 mm ventilation gap if the walls are brick faced. Vapor-permeable membranes must be used when finishing the planker. Using foam slabs to insulate the walls from the gas stove is not advised because they essentially have no vapor permeability.

Difficulties and errors

  1. Gas sofile blocks are produced in different densities, and are selected depending on their purpose. Inexperienced builders often purchase a material of lower density than necessary for external walls. Using a material of inappropriate density can cause the walls to shrink, which in turn can cause cracks to appear and doors or windows to jam.
  2. Purchasing low-quality building materials (often from small manufacturers) is fraught with violation of the geometric shape of the sections, which is why to align the rows you have to lay a thicker layer of mortar, which will further increase heat loss.
  3. When working with gas silicate sections, an adhesive solution is used, rather than a mixture of cement and sand.
  4. Trying to speed up and simplify the work, inexperienced developers neglect reinforcement or do it incorrectly.
  5. No leveling or sanding of blocks. Installing an uneven section will “drive” the entire wall, resulting in the formation of cold bridges and cracks.
Step Description
1. Preparing the Base Ensure the surface is level and clean before starting. Lay a waterproof membrane if necessary.
2. Mixing Mortar Prepare the mortar according to the instructions on the packaging. Consistency should be like thick cream.
3. Laying the First Row Place the first row of blocks on the mortar, checking alignment with a level. Adjust as needed.
4. Applying Mortar Apply mortar on the top of the blocks and the sides where they will join. Use a trowel for even application.
5. Staggering the Blocks For added strength, stagger the blocks so that the joints do not align directly above each other.
6. Cutting Blocks Use a saw to cut blocks to fit as needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves during this process.
7. Checking Alignment Regularly check the alignment and level of the blocks as you continue to lay them.
8. Finishing Up Once all blocks are laid, smooth the mortar joints with a jointing tool for a neat finish.

A detailed understanding of the procedure and meticulous attention to detail are necessary when laying silicate blocks. The secret to a successful project is preparation, which includes making sure the ground is level and having the appropriate equipment on hand. Through meticulous planning and measurement, you can steer clear of common pitfalls and build a strong, long-lasting structure.

It is important to apply mortar consistently and place blocks consistently during the actual laying process. To preserve the integrity of the wall, each block needs to be precisely leveled and aligned. Utilizing a spirit level on a regular basis can help maintain project focus and guarantee a polished outcome.

The final appearance can be significantly altered by adding finishing touches like surface cleaning and joint filling after the blocks are installed. It will appear cleaner and more professional if these details are given careful attention. Silicate block laying can be a satisfying task if done carefully and patiently, giving any construction project a strong foundation.

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Timur Kiselev

Professional builder with 15 years of experience. I know everything about the construction of houses, cottages, bathhouses and other buildings. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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